Sfounder's Curse of the Crimson Throne PbP
Game Master Chris Marsh

Man, it's so damned geeky that something so damned simple can be so damned cool!!!

I look down at the cards silently, then look expectantly at our host. My knowledge of the Harrowing, Ladya Zallara, is essentially nil. I await your interpretation of the cards--as do we all, I'm sure.

Morkeleb grips his staff tightly, almost nervously. It's the only indication of nerves in an otherwise poised position.

To the Abadarans, especially an Inquisitor, we are all miscreants and cutthroats. Are we not, Master Ferox?

I'll judge no man before I'm given reason to. Though, you would not be wrong to say that many of my brothers do. Korvosa needs all sorts to thrive and prosper.

To your question, a close friend succumbed to the poison that Lamm is peddling. I seek revenge for the loss of my friend and to end the stain that Lamm spreads across my city.

Ummm... Thank you, Lady Zellara. It seems our path may have greater repercussions than stopping just one petty crime-lord, but that we can come through stronger for it.

I confess that I have not been diligent in my pursuit of Lamm up 'till now. I see no point in delaying our search for him, as the cards and Lady Zillara point to time being of the essence.

Some of you seem to have worked for him as youths. Do you know where Lamm makes his bed?

Westpier 17. And old fishery.

Gaius looks thoughtful for a moment and looks to Ferox.

We moved around a lot, and I often suspected that Gaedren kept more than one active cell. But if The Lady's intelligence is good, we have an opportunity.

I'm in.

With an eager look Grym speaks out. Hesitation can cause us to lose our prey. Lets make our plans and go swiftly.

I'm all for swift action, however action without a plan can be wasteful and destructive. I propose we adjourn to the tavern on the corner, occupy a quiet corner and form the rudiments of a plan. For a group of men who have never met, to charge off into the maw of danger without so much as learning one another's strengths seems the height of folly.

Odric looks from face to face, taking the measure of each in turn as best he can.

At the very least, I think to seal our fellowship properly we ought to drink a toast to our purpose and to the downfall of Gaedren Lamm

As he stands up from the table, he reaches for his belt pouch, weighs it thoughtfully and offers to buy the first round.

As he steps away from the table, Odric looks at the Empty Throne card he was dealt. As he gazes at it his resolve visibly solidifies. His eyes close and he looks up as in supplication.

This card is representative of those who are gone, and to me that means Kip, my master's son who was taken by Lamm.

Left unsaid is Odric's realization that the rest of the meaning of the card is that it represents a ghost of the past that has taught important lessons. He sees the failings he has had in the past, specifically the departure he made from the path that might have lead to a respectable life to that of an out of shape barfly. The ghost of Odric's past is the strong young man he once was, who might have a chance to fill the role of a hero bringing justice to Lamm.

As he comes to this realization, Odric considers the card he was given as an invitation, "The Keep". It represents quiet, unshakeable strength that withstands any hardship and he thinks perhaps this may be his chance to demonstrate that strength. This may be his chance at redemption. The vision he has always had of himself as a figure of legend, carved in stone, portrays that unshakeable strength. This may be his opportunity to begin to build that legend.

Looking at Zellara with renewed curiosity, he wonders how she could possible know so much about his inner struggles.

Come my new companions, let us lay our plans with care, seal our companionship with good drink, and prepare to strike down this evil man

It is currently about 8 in the evening on the third day of Calistril. The Fishery is close by, practically a stone's throw from Keftan's.

If there are no objections, I'll go case the Fishery's exterior, find us an entrance and watch for sentries. Afterwards, we meet up at Master Keftan's home, I'll report in and we will review our options. Then we hit the Fishery *tonight*. We'll have Gaedren by morning. What say you all?

Well if time is of the essence, what do we know about who he surrounds himself with? Are we likely to encounter a roomful of thugs? Is he surrounded by archers or magic users? Gaius, look out for any signs of bodyguards or patrols in the area.

Odric starts doing light calisthenics and stretching out. As he does so, he begins sweating slightly and wheezing a little.

It is critical to be ready for action, let's get warmed up a bit gentlemen

If there are no objections, I'll go case the Fishery's exterior, find us an entrance and watch for sentries. Afterwards, we meet up at Master Keftan's home, I'll report in and we will review our options. Then we hit the Fishery *tonight*. We'll have Gaedren by morning. What say you all?

I say, the only reason to delay would be due to intelligence you find out.

It is critical to be ready for action, let's get warmed up a bit gentlemen

I raise an eyebrow, and shrug. I'm always warm.

Thorgrym's brow furrows as if he is thinking hard about something or worried.
Morkeleb, Gaius; will there be children there with Lamm? Will any of them be loyal enough to fight against us? Do we have any good non-lethal tactics for misguided little lambs other than...?
Thorgrym balls up a fist and mimes punching very short people.

Thorgrym then looks to Odric. Im sure we can find a couple sticks in the alley to test each other with while we wait for our spy.

THAT is a great idea, but I fear drawing any unwanted attention to ourselves would be counterproductive. I know the town guard quite well, and unfortunately some of them know me too. There are some who would be downright gleeful to lock me up for the evening for fighting again. maybe we can agree to a friendly brawl after this is all through?

Has Gaius left to scout yet?

If Gaius goes on recon, I'll take both a Stealth roll and a Perception check.

Lady Zellara, I hate to be a bother, and as your guest I fear this may be a breach of etiquette...

Odric's impressive stomach grumbles rather loudly and he shifts his position slightly, hoping to cover the sound. Glancing quickly at his newfound friends, Odric continues,

Have you got any more of that exceptional bread and cheese, and possibly something to wash it down with? If we're to commence an adventure we'd best do it on a full stomach, eh boys?

Odric looks around the room for confirmation. He interprets the raised eyebrows he sees as hearty support. Looking back to Lady Zellara, Odric continues his warm-up routine with some deep knee bends.

Odric's torso is thick and impenetrable according to his ongoing commentary on his exercises. There is an alarming amount of strain on the buckles of his armor as he stretches and bends, anyone nearby may want to edge out of the line of fire in case one flies off under the strain.

since Gaius wrote "If there are no objections, I'll go case the Fishery's exterior" can we assume he did so? make the rolls and let him know what came of it.

OOC: Odric, chill out. I'm here.

@Thorgrym: Gaedren is likely to have Lamms with him. Children, ranging in age, but none old enough or strong enough to challenge him alone. Lamm's influence is strong and we can't count on any allies. They may fight for him, or they may run. It is very unlikely that any of the Lamms will betray him. They are dependent on him, and under the very powerful illusion that he is their only friend in this world. It will take more than words to break his hold on them. Still...

Gaius looks thoughtful for a moment, perhaps a bit sad.

One never knows what is in another heart, especially a heart so young. If you wish to save these young pups, then move for knockout over the kill. But if you are faced with the choice of your own life or theirs, I suggest you don't hesitate. Do what you will.

Now, if there's nothing else... I'm off. I'll be at Master Keftan's home in two hours. If I'm not there in three, assume me lost and make your move immediately. I'll knock like this:

*Rap, rap, rapraprap. Rap, rap, rapraprap*

when I arrive. May the Gods favor us this night.

@DM: Dungeon Master. I keep to the shadows and will skulk about the Fishery in a block radius taking note of children, beggars, and anyone who looks like a mercenary. I'll then approach the Fishery under cover of darkness and note all entrances and features of each one. Then I'll use stealth to make for Keftan's home in an indirect path, doubling back in two places to conceal my path.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Sense Motive (if you need one to ID anyone who is disguised. If you need more than one, mod is +11): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

May the Lady In The Room conceal my movements and lull the watchers into complacency. This is her holy month. Perhaps my fickle mistress will embrace me with her shadows.

Once Gaius has left, Ferox stands and returns his chair to the table.

Mistress Zellara, thank you for your help and hospitality.

Gentlemen, I suggest we retire to Master Keftan's home, unless he has any objections. We can get to know each other better while we wait for Gaius to return there.

Ferox gets ready to depart.

Odric nods gravely, he lowers his voice and stands slowly, sweat beading on his brow.

We move, five minute spread. No sound.

With a graceful motion Zellara stands and regards you each in turn, motioning to another basket as she looks at Odric. Gentlemen, may fortune favor you.

OOC: If you all want to have some character exchange before continuing, you should do so. When you're ready for the adventure to progress:

Gaius finds Keftan's home with no difficulty and raps out the knock to announce his presence.

The Fishery looks as though it's falling apart, and there are children inside working at various tasks, being pushed by a taskmaster. Aside from that, I saw little. No guards or sentries were seen by me. I guess the size of the building to be 70' x 50'. It is a single story at street level, but there is a level below at sea level with a dock. There is a dilapidated fishing boat tied there.

There are many windows, and two visible doors. A set of double doors at the street, and at the side of the building there is a deck with a second set of double doors. I saw nothing out of the ordinary. To get any more detail, I'd have to get a lot closer.

There are advantages and disadvantages to trying either entrance, or we can try a third option and see if there is roof access.

Whichever entry point we choose, I think we should quickly investigate and disable the fishing boat first, and do that quietly.

What say you?

Before Gaius' return

I agree with Ferrox and Odric--let's go right to Kefton's house to wait for what Gaius finds out.

On the way I keep farily quiet, but once we're at Kefton's . . .

I have to agree with Gaius' assessment of children Lamm may--or *will*--have with him. While I've never known one to love him, they do depend on him, and they do fear him. They would only fight with us if they were certain we were winning, for they'd fear reprisal at his hand if they fought against him, and lost. We may well expect at least some of them to fight against us at Lamm's bidding, as he will have no reservation about saving his own skin at the cost of the little ones.
.
I'm sure my skills can be of some use in that circumstance, as I can put them into a harmless sleep, or into a brief daze that will allow us to capture them with little harm. As I'd said, I'm an Acadamae graduate, specialilzing in Enchantment magic. I won't be much aid when it comes to drawing blood, but I certainly will give aid in battle to either inflame your minds to increased valour, or hamper the minds of our foes. And what are all your specialties--so we can be better prepared as a team?

I've updated the map section of the campaign page. We can describe things in general terms until dice are rolled -be it for initiative, perception, stealth etc.

What about sending a large drunken oaf in, blundering around as a decoy to try to probe their defenses? I'm fairly certain I can bluff my way out of any serious bodily harm, and as a benefit we might be able to get some insight into their response time and tactics

Odric mimes stumbling about with a slurred speech, a convincing effort that he seems to be quite practiced at.

If it comes to an assault, can we assume the fishing boat is part of an escape plan for Lamm? Perhaps we could try flushing him out and have a plant in the boat, or hanging onto the stern immersed in the water. It might be funny and useful to coat the oar handles with some sort of glue.

Can we be sure there are no escape passages into the sewers? With limited numbers, we might not be able to channel his escape into the boat rather than the roofs or an underground escape.

I agree disabling the boat so Lamm can't escape is a good idea. I think any door is as good as another for entry.

I have some skill in stealth and climbing, if thats needed to climb down to the boat to disable it. But mostly I'm a fighter, I'm equally good with my sword or empty hand brawling.

Thorgrym looks a little nervous and seems to keep reaching down for something thats not there. If anyone asks, he admits he does feel odd. This would be the first time in years he has ever gone on the hunt with out a dog at his side.

If Lamm escapes into the sewers he wont get far. I've tracked many down into the sewers and found them.

Before Gaius' return

And what are all your specialties--so we can be better prepared as a team?

I'm a brawler - My ferocious pick

Odric hefts it thoughtfully, spinning it in his hands so the carven eagle's head glints in the firelight.

is useful in a straight up toe-to-toe fight, but in my view, why would you ever want to end up toe-to-toe with someone intent on killing you?! I prefer to use craftiness, strategery and if all else fails... dirty tricks!

Odric demonstrates some of his more elaborate spinning attack moves to give credence to his claims and to emphasize his prowess. The creaking and groaning from the floorboards is somewhat alarming, but all who behold know that Odric must be a force to be reckoned with in battle.

Before Gaius' return

And what are all your specialties--so we can be better prepared as a team?

As you would expect from an Inquisitor of Abadar, I'm good on the hunt. I know my way around the city and can usually talk my way into or out of situations as I need to. I can get around without being seen; a useful skill for tailing suspects. I'm handy with a bow, when a little violence is needed. On occasion, Abadar sees fit to bless me in pursuit of his justice.

Dungeon Master: I'm looking at the map now. Looks as though from the street we can access the main entrance (A1) or the Deck (A2) or walk onto the dock (A3) to the Fishing Boat (A9). Is that correct? We have access to the dock from the street? And is that another single door from the Dock (A3) into the facility?

And from The Deck (A2) we can walk downstairs to another single door that is at sea level--one level below the street. Do I have that right?

Your reading is correct.

Gaius suggests that we sneak down the dock to the fishing boat and investigate there first. Then we should disable the boat, and make our way back to the single door at A3. If for some reason that door isn't workable, we should enter via the Deck A2.

Gaius is ready to depart for the fishery at any time.

Good enough, lets do it.

Gentlemen,
We will begin by telling me where on the map you'd like to be placed (as close to the dock as you want, but not on it.) We'll take it from there. Going forward I'll try to put an alpha numeric grid there so you can say stuff like "I move to B3 and shoot the baddie in C9 with my bow."

Sounds like a good plan, Gaius.

Ferox is fairly stealthy and will accompany whoever is heading down to investigate the boat.

As you're facing the main entrance, there are barrels to the right hand side. I will start by hiding behind those.

Thorgrym enters the map from the lower right and starts to head toward A3 along the dock w/ the intention of heading toward the boat.
I'm moving stealthy w/ sword in hand, w/ Ferox behind me to cover w/ his bow.

If needed stealth roll: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

I assume the boat is on the north side, i.e. the map is oriented north up

I will slip into the water a bit up the shoreline, say 20 yards, to the east and work my way west until I can hang off the dock at the very end of it near the boat. At the appointed time I can either capsize the boat, set it adrift or otherwise disable it. Then I can burst into the building and join the fight from the north. What say the rest of you?

Odric continues to limber up, tightens his bootstraps and ties down his valuables preparing for a swim. In reality he does not plan to go much over his head, preferring to move slowly in the shallows with just enough of his head showing to breathe or see.

Swim check if needed if the water is over Odric's head: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Stealth check if needed to sneak through water: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Climb check if needed to get out of water onto dock: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
STR check if needed to stove in boat: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Initiative check if needed:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Peace, Odric. Your enthusiasm is exhausting. That's a good size fishing boat, and I don't think you can capsize it alone. Then... Burst in? We should try to be subtle first.

OOC: I am a little confused about procedure. Are we announcing actions here or only starting position before we do initiative?

I'd suggest immediately setting the boat adrift, then get back to the rest of us. And if we do that, I suggest we NOT go in at the dock side; we should let the escapee think the dock is a viable escape option.

once we approach the building, I'll hang back away from the stealthier folk as I'm not so inclined . . .

Without wishing to exhaust my new companions who may not be as stout or energetic as I am, I'm fully prepared to slip into the water as described, cut the boat free and set it adrift with alacrity. Zellara warned us of the need for haste. I propose cut loose the boat immediately, then assault from the south and east as Morkeleb suggests.

Thorgrym nods in agreement to Odric's last suggestion. The ranger is eager for action.

As much as I want to believe our hostess, we don't really know about Zellara's intentions, do we? While haste may well be necessary, a bit of subtlety also seems indicated here. Mabye Gaius could do some further scouting, possibly even determine whether our quarry is, in fact, here, before we barge in--no?

There's also space on that boat. There may be people on board, and maybe some valuables. Also, maybe Lamm himself is on board. There's no harm in investigating before we sabotage.

Anyone on the boat investigating team, give me the following:

1. Perception Check
2. Stealth Check (except Odric.)
3. Knowledge (Engineering) if you have it. State if you do not.

Once everyone posts results (or that they're hanging back.) I'll give results.

Anyone on the boat investigating team, give me the following:

1. Perception Check
2. Stealth Check (except Odric.)
3. Knowledge (Engineering) if you have it. State if you do not.

Once everyone posts results (or that they're hanging back.) I'll give results.

1. Perception:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Gaius, why don't you scout it out on your own? I will wait in readiness for your signal. I am not the stealthiest among us certainly. I've got your back!

Thorgrym will go forward w/ Gaius to investigate the boat.

Stealth 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 (wow, I'm so stealthy)
Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Thorgrym doesn't have any knowledge skills

DM may I use a harrow point to reroll my stealth check?
stealth 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

The slippery boardwalk clings to the side of the fishery, held together by barnacle-thick pilings that have been worn halfway through their thickness at the waterline. As Odric makes his way to the water, prepared to wade in the boards give an extra loud squeek, nearly breaking under the strain. None of you think the rotted timbers could handle either a combat or a group of you merely standing in place for very long.

Just as Odrick dips a foot and half a massive calf into the water, the sharp-eyed ranger grabs him by the shoulder and points something out. In the darkness everyone else missed it, but Grym points out a pony-sized shark gliding in the waters around the area.

Slowly, as stealthily as possible, timing your steps to the lapping of the waves against the barge you make your way down. You can see underneath the building that there is a lower level. While light ushers forth from windows, the chaos of the junk and pier obscures any interior view. Gaius is the first to take in the barge in detail. The rotten deck of this ancient barge seems to be barely intact, its hull worn and thick with seaweed and barnacles. The barge is held together primarily by the layers of old rope that lash it securely to the pilings that support the fishery and the nearby boardwalk. A single wooden door leading into the aft cabin bears a crude painting of a red fish on its surface. None of you are knowledgeable enough to comment on the condition of the craft, but it certainly looks like it's been moored here since you were children. Odric, in the lead, thinks that a climb up the dilapidated ship would be easy.

The battlemap has been updated accordingly. Please not that the map is oriented such that EAST is "up"

Thorgrym taps Odric on the shoulder and points toward the red fish door on the boat and motions to move forward.

[occ]Do we need another round of perception and stealth?[/occ]
if needed
perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
stealth 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

In general I treat Stealth as constant until you do something else, like attack, cast a spell with a verbal component, or such.